CAD Rio Preto Champions Paralympic Sports, Prepares Next Generation Ahead of National Observances
São José do Rio Preto’s CAD advances Paralympic sports by supporting elite athletes and cultivating new talent with a focus on inclusion and autonomy.
- • CAD Rio Preto sent two athletes to the Wheelchair Basketball World Championship in Ottawa.
- • The club offers free sports for people with and without disabilities, serving diverse athletes including upcoming parabadminton players.
- • Founder Paulo Jatobá coaches the Brazilian U-23 team and stresses sports' role in fostering independence.
- • Financial support is essential for CAD's continued free activities and competitive participation.
Key details
The Clube Amigos dos Deficientes (CAD) in São José do Rio Preto has made significant strides in promoting Paralympic sports in Brazil by contributing athletes to international competitions and fostering community inclusion. Recently, CAD sent wheelchair basketball players Alex Santos da Silva and Plínio Hugo Santos da Rocha Macedo to the World Championship in Ottawa from September 9 to 19, underscoring the club’s role in high-performance sports. Additionally, Daniel Gusmão Pelicer, a CAD athlete, represents Brazil’s U-23 national team, coached by Paulo Jatobá, the club’s founder.
Established in 2004, CAD offers free sports activities to people with and without disabilities, currently supporting 14 wheelchair basketball players, two athletes in athletics, and planning to introduce parabadminton with 16 participants. The club’s inclusive approach involves initial assessments by physiotherapists and social workers to customize activities for participants as young as five years old. Its programs, such as the Reverse Inclusion Project, emphasize autonomy and quality of life through sports and social engagement.
Paulo Jatobá highlighted the transformative power of sports, stating, "Having athletes in both the adult and U-23 national teams illustrates how far sports can take individuals when they are provided opportunities and support." Yet, maintaining such initiatives demands financial resources; for example, an adapted basketball chair costs around R$ 25,000, excluding ongoing competition expenses. Partnerships, including with Vetnil®, are critical to sustaining CAD’s free offerings.
These developments coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (September 21) and the National Paralympic Athlete Day (September 22), emphasizing CAD’s ongoing commitment to elevating Paralympic sports in Brazil. The club’s legacy includes champions like Claudiney Batista and a deep-rooted dedication to expanding sports' role in independence and social integration.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
